Second Moms - I'm here to remind you that you are a “Mom For REAL” and can feel REAL too! ...
Let's spell it out....
- R is for realistic and also the reality checks we may need from time to time. Reality-based expectations can help us hold onto truth while also holding onto hope & joy!....
- E is for empowered.... which is what you can be when you look to God and lean into him while watching expectantly for the ways he is working in the details of your life…even in the middle of the most difficult or confusing times. When life doesn’t go as expected, expect God to make a way for you in unexpected ways!
- A is for authenticity. Find your authentic voice again and be confident in who you are despite all the pressures from different directions to be this and do that. It’s important to be in tune with yourself, your values, purpose, strengths, weaknesses…
- L is for loving. Rediscover how good it feels to shine your love-light without reserve! .
Which of these is speaking the loudest to you right now?
R-Realistic? You might be feeling like you keep running up against the same walls,
like you’re not sure what to expect anymore, feeling more and more unsure.
How about E - Empowered?
Did that word get your attention a bit? Have you felt dis-empowered perhaps?
And A - Authenticity? You might be feeling like you don’t know who you are anymore..,
or who you’re trying to be... supposed to be?
Lastly, L is Loving. You are an incredibly loving person or you wouldn't be here listening to this, right?
But it might be hard to feel those loving feelings. You may be second guessing how you go about sharing your love in ways that feel good and right to you. Especially if the responses you've been getting have been less than welcoming.
My youngest son adopted at four - deaf and without language - got into the habit of accusing me of saying a "bad word" whenever I told him "I love you". It's now become a fun habit (having lost the underlying negativity) and his way of responding so when I tell him "I love you" he automatically responds with "bad word" and he doesn't have to say the words, I love you, in order to respond to me. It took a bit,
but to us, it's come to be his way of telling me he loves me too, smiles and all.
You are not alone in this journey as a second mom. Connecting with others who can truly relate to what you are going through can be huge! But that’s not all. God knows…for real! And he will be right there with you through all the craziness and upside down situations if you let him. Leaning into him is truly key.
If you’re an adoptive mom or step-mom in a complex family, I want to let you know that you are not alone. You have an important role but it’s not all of who you are. You are so much more!
I appreciate if you would leave a comment or podcast review if this helps you.
And as always,
keep learning, keep growing & keep loving.
💜🩷♥️
Dawn
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Post Adoption (Mom) Coach
“STANDING IN THE GAP FOR SECOND MOMS in Adoptive & Blended Families
As a Certified LifeMapping(R) Coach, Dawn helps Christian adoptive moms navigate the challenges of their non-traditional families with their own brand of (faith fueled) success!
DISCLAIMER: I’m a coach, not a doctor nor a therapist. As a coach I do not offer mental or medical health diagnosis, treatment or cures. Furthermore, I am no longer a practicing attorney and do not offer individual legal advice. For individual advice related to your own personal situation I recommend you seek out an appropriate professional. Coaching may fill a spot in your overall support network.
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Copyright © 2025 Dawn T. Baggett, JD - All rights reserved
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